Sicily, 1965. 17 year old Franca attracts the attention of young made-man Filippo Melodia. When Franca rejects him, Filippo resorts to violence, kidnapping and raping her. Pressured into marrying her own rapist to avoid becoming a pariah to the traditionalist community, Franca finds the strength to rebel against the established custom of the 'reparatory marriage', setting a precedent that will alter the course of Italian history, and pave the way for the fight for women's rights.